Devon County Council has launched a survey to improve walking and cycling routes around Exmouth. 

The online public engagement begins today, (Thursday, July 20), on proposals to close the subway around Exmouth railway station, widen footways, improve crossing points, and upgrade bus stops.

A range of initial proposals include:

  • Dedicated cycling space and wider footways to make it safer and easier to travel between the station, bus stop, estuary, town centre and seafront.
  • Safer, more convenient crossing points, including raised ‘tables’ to encourage slower vehicle speeds.
  • Improved signs to help traveling from the station to the town and seafront.
  • Electric vehicle charging and e-bike docking and upgrade bus stops.
  • Closure of the existing subway, with the removal of the access ramps providing space for this improvement.

These proposals form part of the Destination Exmouth project, which is funded by the Government’s Levelling Up Fund, Devon County Council, East Devon District Council and Exmouth Town Council.

The project aims to create an Exmouth Gateway – a transport interchange that enables people to travel across town by bicycle, on foot or by bus more easily, reducing the town’s reliance on cars.

A range of initial proposals being considered includes dedicated cycling space and wider footways to make it safer and easier to travel between the station, bus stop, estuary, town centre and seafront. Safer, more convenient crossing points, including raised ‘tables’ to encourage slower vehicle speeds. Improved signs to help travelling from the station to the town and seafront. Electric vehicle charging and e-bike docking and upgrade bus stops.

Closure of the existing subway, with the removal of the access ramps providing space for this improvement.

The council say these plans encourage active travel, particularly for shorter journeys, reduce congestion and improve connectivity across the town. They will also help reduce carbon emissions by encouraging more people to use sustainable modes of travel. As well as bringing benefits to local businesses through increased footfall, the proposals are also designed to make the area safer, more welcoming, and more pleasant place for all.

Councillor Stuart Hughes Devon County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highway Management, and lead member for cycling, said: “These plans aim to encourage more people to walk and cycle in the town by linking up with the other cycle and walking routes along the Exe Estuary Trail, along Exmouth Seafront and between Phear Park and Budleigh Salterton via Littleham. These plans are not set in stone, and we want to know what local people think and what their priorities are to help us develop the proposals.”

Councillor Olly Davey, Chairman of Exmouth Town Council, welcomes the news and said: "Exmouth Town Council has been a strong advocate, though Exmouth Transport Partnership, for coherent and well-planned use of the area around the railway station to enable better integration of walking and cycling with public transport. We welcome the consultation and would encourage everyone to take part and have their say.”

Councillor Richard Scott who, alongside Jeff Trail is a local county councillor for Exmouth, said: “This scheme aims to encourage visitors to the town by improving the Gateway to Exmouth and follows our successful bid to the Government’s levelling up fund. By widening pavements, improving infrastructure, and upgrading signs. it will make it easier for visitors and local people to access the Strand and seafront from the train station and the A376 by foot, bike, and car. There is more than one way for motorists to access the town from the A376, but often Marine Way is the only route that is used, and this can cause congestion. Improved signs at key access points to the town and improved crossing points will reduce congestion and improve public access for all.”

You have from today, (July 20) until August 21, complete the survey HERE